Page 140 of Small Town, Big Storm

“Honk!”the goose calls back.

Storm just shakes his head and sighs.

I laugh, happiness in every one of my cells.

Because this moment, this night is all I’ve ever wanted too—family and teasing and messy, imperfect moments…

And love.

Of course, that just means it hurts even more when it’s all ripped away from me.

Thirty-Seven

Storm

Lips tingling,I adjust my cup and try to focus.

Unfortunately, considering that most of the blood in my body is currently in my dick—same as it’s been for the last weeks, but most especially over last two weeks that Poppy and I have be all in on each other—adjusting my cup doesn’t really do anything.

I’m hard and uncomfortable and aching.

Turns out it’s challenging to sneak in personal adult time when trying to build a relationship with my six-year-old, and working to regain the woman I love’s trust and helping her with her bar, and remodeling my childhood home with my brother, and being roped into all sorts of Cedar Hollow shenanigans all while prepping for the season, something that involves lots of gym time—and today, ice time.

Because Holly’s going to be watching.

And Poppy.

For the first time in several seasons, Iwantto play hockey.

No, I want to kickassin hockey.

So, I’ve been hitting the gym and today I’m getting on the ice, and even though my woman just laid a kiss on me that left me with an aching dick, I’m grinning.

Because I’m taking my time.

I’ve lost too much with my girls—no way will I rush anything.

And even though Poppy and I are stealing kisses and touches and I’ve coaxed her to an orgasm several more times, I haven’t let her return the favor.

When we finally go there again, I won’t rush it.

Even if my balls are very much not on board with my plan.

Still, it’s kind of fun, sneaking around, making out, falling asleep (and waking up) in each other’s arms, so I’m not complaining.

Much.

I watch Poppy climb the metal bleachers at the Cedar Hollow Ice Center—or maybe it’s that I’m watching her ass as she joins Clover and Holly on the top bench.

Clover’s scowling, probably because she tried her damndest to get out of coming here this after, but Holly used her powers of persuasion (and adorable gray eyes) to coax Clover into joining…and obviously succeeded.

Shep is already on the ice, likely trying to impress her.

But my teammate has made little progress with The Enforcer.

Little progress is the theme of the moment—because nothing much has changed between Rain and Riley either.They’re ignoring each other and pretending that Gertie Walkins didn’t see them making out at the Inn the other day.

Thank God, I’m not the only Harrison in the Cedar Hollow Gazette.